Chanakya Niti: How to Overcome the Fear of Being Seen
Riya Kumari | Jan 28, 2025, 23:02 IST
The world doesn’t need perfection; it needs people who are brave enough to show up, flaws and all. So, what’s the worst that could happen? Someone might not like you? Big deal. What’s the best that could happen? You might inspire someone. You might change a life—maybe even your own. The only way to find out is to let yourself be seen
Let’s get real: the fear of being seen—truly, unapologetically seen—is the kind of fear that keeps dreams small and potential hidden. It’s why you stay quiet when you have something to say, shrink into corners when the world is asking you to step forward, or live smaller than you know you’re meant to.
1. The World Is Your Stage
Chanakya famously said, “A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first.” At first glance, it sounds like he’s encouraging deception, but look closer, and there’s wisdom beneath the cynicism. He’s warning against the fear of vulnerability. Being honest with yourself, showing your true self to the world—these are acts of bravery, but they shouldn’t come with the expectation of universal approval. The truth is, when you’re honest, when you’re seen, you’ll attract some criticism. But more importantly, you’ll attract respect. Not everyone will clap, but the ones who do will clap louder than the critics. And their applause will be worth it.
2. The Fear Lives in Your Head
Chanakya believed that fear only grows when you let it fester. His advice? “As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.” The thing about fear is that it feeds on inaction. The longer you avoid being seen—whether it’s sharing your ideas, expressing your feelings, or showing your talent—the more powerful your fear becomes. But when you face it head-on, something shifts. You realize the fear isn’t as big as it seemed. Raise your hand. Walk into the room. Hit “post.” Worst case? Someone notices your flop. Best case? They notice your brilliance. Either way, fear dies a little every time you dare to show up. The act of showing up, even imperfectly, is how you start shrinking fear to its proper size.
3. Everybody Is Faking It
Most people are busy battling their own insecurities to really care about yours. Before you start worrying about what others think, remember—they’re too busy worrying about what you think of them. One of Chanakya’s sharpest insights was this: “There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.” Translation: not everyone’s going to cheer for you, and that’s okay. Some people will misunderstand you, and others won’t care at all. But that doesn’t make your effort or your truth any less valid. When you stop chasing universal approval, you make room for the people who truly see you. These are the people who will value you not despite your flaws but because of them.
4. The Right People Will See You
When you stop hiding, you attract the people who get it. The ones who don’t flinch at your big dreams or awkward jokes. Will everyone love you? No. And thank goodness, because some people can’t even love puppies. As Chanakya put it, “Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions: Why am I doing it? What might the results be? Will I be successful?” Fear thrives on short-term thinking. But when you zoom out, when you remind yourself of why you want to be seen—whether it’s to make a difference, share your talents, or simply live authentically—the fear starts to feel smaller. Think of your life as a story: do you want it to be one of courage or regret? The answer will tell you what to do next.
5. It’s Not About Perfection
One of Chanakya’s core teachings was about the power of action: “A man is great by deeds, not by birth.” Greatness doesn’t come from hiding; it comes from contributing, creating, and connecting. When you let yourself be seen, you give something to the world that no one else can: you. Your perspective, your voice, your presence—all of it matters. No one remembers perfection. They remember presence. They remember people who tried, even when they were scared. You just have to show up. The fear of being seen often comes from the mistaken belief that your worth depends on other people’s validation or from this nagging idea that you’re not “enough” yet. But the truth is, your worth lies in what you give, not in how it’s received. Showing up isn’t just for you; it’s for the people who need what you have to offer.
6. Fear Thrives on Avoidance
The thing about fear is that it feels massive before you face it. But the moment you step into it, something magical happens. You realize it’s smaller than it seemed. Chanakya believed that true success starts within. “Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere.” While he meant formal education, this applies just as much to self-awareness and emotional growth. Understanding your fear—where it comes from and what triggers it—is the first step to overcoming it. When you know yourself deeply, when you trust your abilities and accept your imperfections, fear loses its grip. You stop worrying about how you’re perceived and start focusing on what you’re here to do.
1. The World Is Your Stage
Honest
Chanakya famously said, “A person should not be too honest. Straight trees are cut first.” At first glance, it sounds like he’s encouraging deception, but look closer, and there’s wisdom beneath the cynicism. He’s warning against the fear of vulnerability. Being honest with yourself, showing your true self to the world—these are acts of bravery, but they shouldn’t come with the expectation of universal approval. The truth is, when you’re honest, when you’re seen, you’ll attract some criticism. But more importantly, you’ll attract respect. Not everyone will clap, but the ones who do will clap louder than the critics. And their applause will be worth it.
2. The Fear Lives in Your Head
Step
Chanakya believed that fear only grows when you let it fester. His advice? “As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it.” The thing about fear is that it feeds on inaction. The longer you avoid being seen—whether it’s sharing your ideas, expressing your feelings, or showing your talent—the more powerful your fear becomes. But when you face it head-on, something shifts. You realize the fear isn’t as big as it seemed. Raise your hand. Walk into the room. Hit “post.” Worst case? Someone notices your flop. Best case? They notice your brilliance. Either way, fear dies a little every time you dare to show up. The act of showing up, even imperfectly, is how you start shrinking fear to its proper size.
3. Everybody Is Faking It
Mirror
Most people are busy battling their own insecurities to really care about yours. Before you start worrying about what others think, remember—they’re too busy worrying about what you think of them. One of Chanakya’s sharpest insights was this: “There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth.” Translation: not everyone’s going to cheer for you, and that’s okay. Some people will misunderstand you, and others won’t care at all. But that doesn’t make your effort or your truth any less valid. When you stop chasing universal approval, you make room for the people who truly see you. These are the people who will value you not despite your flaws but because of them.
4. The Right People Will See You
Eyes
When you stop hiding, you attract the people who get it. The ones who don’t flinch at your big dreams or awkward jokes. Will everyone love you? No. And thank goodness, because some people can’t even love puppies. As Chanakya put it, “Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions: Why am I doing it? What might the results be? Will I be successful?” Fear thrives on short-term thinking. But when you zoom out, when you remind yourself of why you want to be seen—whether it’s to make a difference, share your talents, or simply live authentically—the fear starts to feel smaller. Think of your life as a story: do you want it to be one of courage or regret? The answer will tell you what to do next.
5. It’s Not About Perfection
Help
One of Chanakya’s core teachings was about the power of action: “A man is great by deeds, not by birth.” Greatness doesn’t come from hiding; it comes from contributing, creating, and connecting. When you let yourself be seen, you give something to the world that no one else can: you. Your perspective, your voice, your presence—all of it matters. No one remembers perfection. They remember presence. They remember people who tried, even when they were scared. You just have to show up. The fear of being seen often comes from the mistaken belief that your worth depends on other people’s validation or from this nagging idea that you’re not “enough” yet. But the truth is, your worth lies in what you give, not in how it’s received. Showing up isn’t just for you; it’s for the people who need what you have to offer.
6. Fear Thrives on Avoidance
Journal
The thing about fear is that it feels massive before you face it. But the moment you step into it, something magical happens. You realize it’s smaller than it seemed. Chanakya believed that true success starts within. “Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere.” While he meant formal education, this applies just as much to self-awareness and emotional growth. Understanding your fear—where it comes from and what triggers it—is the first step to overcoming it. When you know yourself deeply, when you trust your abilities and accept your imperfections, fear loses its grip. You stop worrying about how you’re perceived and start focusing on what you’re here to do.